SMALL GROUP LODGE SAFARI: Encounter incredible wildlife on this 9-day Kenya safari with comfortable lodge accommodation. Go on a game drive and visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi National Park. See the flocks of flamingos at Lake Nakuru and go in search of the Big Five in the Masai Mara. Then head south to Amboseli, famed for its large herds of elephants, and enjoy incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Nairobi National Park & Elephant Orphanage
Nairobi - Nairobi National Park - Nakuru. This morning we travel to Nairobi National Park with a picnic breakfast and enjoy a game drive in the park, looking out for resident wildlife. Then we travel to the Daphne Sheldrick’s Centre and visit the many baby elephants that have been rescued from threatening situations in Kenya’s various national parks and even get a chance to see the calves being fed and playing with the staff.
Next stop is the Karen Blixen Museum. Located in an area which was once part of Karen Blixen’s vast coffee estate, the museum was Karen’s home from 1917 until 1931.The house and grounds were made famous by the film ‘Out of Africa ’and have been restored by the Danish community of Kenya. Visitors have a glimpse of typical colonial life in Kenya at the turn of the twentieth century.
After lunch at the lovely Matteos Restaurant, we depart on the next part of our adventure which takes us from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi city to Nakuru.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru is situated in the middle of the national park to which it gives its name and we spend the day exploring this remarkable park, on a morning and afternoon game drive. Teeming with wildlife the park has so much to offer. Sometimes, when the water levels are low, the entire lake is covered in flamingos, turning the whole area pink. Lions, buffalos as well as many rhinos call this corner of Kenya home and a game drive around the park is always rewarding. If you're lucky you may even spot a leopard relaxing in a tree beside the lake.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara
Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara. Leaving the Great Rift Valley behind we drive to Kenya's famous Masai Mara, the setting for the Great Migration and countless wildlife documentaries. The Masai Mara is the highlight of any safari. We arrive for lunch at our camp and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool and waiting for the late afternoon when the temperature cools to head out on our first Mara game drive. Back at the camp, dinner is served and gives us the perfect opportunity to look back at our day and relive all those highlights.
Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara game drives
After breakfast this morning we drive across the plains in search of the Big Five and other plains game. The early mornings are one of the best times to view the animals as this is when they are their most active before the heat of the day sets in and after a mid-morning of relaxation and lunch, head out into the reserve for a chance to tick off some more animals on your “must see” list on an afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional hot air ballooning
This morning, there is the opportunity to rise early and experience a game viewing adventure from an entirely different perspective! A hot air balloon safari across the Masai Mara (at additional cost) which takes off in the crisp morning air, and lasts for approximately an hour, allows for a beautifully peaceful experience floating silently high above plains, forests and rivers. Upon landing a fully cooked breakfast awaits. More game viewing opportunities arise later that morning en-route back to camp and in the afternoon. In addition to the abundance of spectacular game, there are also over 450 species of birds that have been identified in the Masai Mara Ecosystem.
Overnight: Masai Mara | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Masai Mara to Amboseli
Masai Mara - Amboseli. It's an early start this morning as we bid farewell to the Masai Mara, transfer to Serena airstrip and fly back to Nairobi. From Nairobi transfer by road to Amboseli National Park in the southern reaches of Kenya, stopping for a picnic lunch en route. Upon arrival at Amboseli, we check into our lodge and head out on an afternoon game drive in this beautiful park.
Amboseli National Park is renowned for its excellent variety of wildlife such as Maasai giraffe, elephant, lion and cheetah and not surprisingly it is one of Kenya's most popular parks. The landscape of Amboseli is dominated by the majestic snowcap of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as open plains, acacia woodland, swamps and the massif of Ol Doinyo Orok. The birding is excellent, especially closer to the lakes and swamps. The park is famous for being the best place in Africa to get close to large herds of elephants among other wildlife species.
Overnight: Amboseli National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Amboseli game drives
Enjoy a full day in Amboseli National Park, heading out in search of wildlife on morning and afternoon game drives. Look out for the large herds of elephants and soak up spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. We spend the hottest part of the day relaxing at the lodge, where you can cool off in the swimming pool.
Overnight: Amboseli National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nairobi
Amboseli - Nairobi. After breakfast we transfer by road to Nairobi airport. Onward international flights should depart no earlier than 2pm today. As we say in Swahili - Safari Njema!
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed to run with a minimum of 2 persons. This Safari has a maximum group size of 7. The 'Twin/Double' price is per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. The 'Single' price is applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Residences at Karen, Nairobi
Surround by lush forests overlooking the second hole of the Karen Country Club golf course, The Residences at Karen offer spacious rooms equipped with the latest conveniences including mini bar, plasma screen TV and complimentary WIFI. Each room features a delightfully furnished terrace, the perfect spot to enjoy a Sundowner away from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi. Peacefully situated on the grounds of the Karen Country Club approximately 16 Km from downtown Nairobi.
Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge , Lake Nakuru
Nestled in the heart of Kenya's picturesque Lake Nakuru region, this enchanting lodge provides a truly memorable retreat, with sweeping views of Lake Nakuru and its surrounding national park. The spacious guest rooms are tastefully furnished, providing a comfortable haven, while modern amenities ensure your utmost convenience. The lodge's restaurant serves a delectable range of local and international cuisines. From traditional Kenyan dishes to international favourites, there is something to satisfy every craving. After a day of exploration, unwind by taking a refreshing dip in the sparkling outdoor pool or rejuvenate your senses at the spa.
Fig Tree Camp, Masai Mara
Fig Tree Camp is located in the heart of the Masai Mara on the banks of the Talek River. The camp offers luxury Ngamboli tents and garden lodge rooms. All featuring en suite bathrooms and a large verandah. The camp has a swimming pool with loungers, perfect for cooling off in the midday heat and relaxing between game drives. There's restaurant onsite and two bars. In addition to game drives and game walks, the camp offers bush dinners and champagne breakfasts on the planes of the Masai Mara. Adventures Aloft Balloon Safaris is also located on site, which flies daily from the camp.
Amboseli Serena Lodge, Amboseli National Park
Set in the heart of the Amboseli National Park with Mt. Kilimanjaro as its striking backdrop, the Amboseli Serena Lodge is a distinguished, eco-friendly safari lodge which harmoniously blends traditional Maasai architecture and modern amenities. The well-appointed guest rooms are designed with comfort in mind, featuring elegant furnishings, private balconies or terraces, en-suite bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Indulge your senses with the tantalizing flavours of African and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Unwind and rejuvenate at the spa, where a range of therapeutic treatments and massages await you. After a day of exploring the wonders of Amboseli National Park, take a refreshing dip in the newly renovated pool or relax in the comfort of the lounge. In addition to game drives the lodge offers a variety of activities including guided walks, bird-watching walks, dinner in the bush, and Maasai dance performances in the dedicated exterior bush BBQ area.